Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Grinding the Basics
The clearing was quiet once again, save for the rhythmic sound of Ahmed's feet pounding the ground as he sprinted in a wide circle. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and his breathing was labored, but he pressed on.
> [Skill Gained: Sprint]
- Type: Passive
- Effect: Increases running speed by 5%. Further training increases stamina and efficiency.
[Proficiency: 1%]
Ahmed slowed to a stop, panting as he leaned on his knees.
> "Finally," he muttered, opening his system menu to review his stats. His crimson eyes scanned the screen, focusing on his newly acquired skill.
[Skill: Sprint]
Current Proficiency: 1%
Next Level: 100%
> "I need to hit 100% to evolve it," Ahmed noted. "This is going to take a while."
He wiped the sweat from his face and stretched his legs.
---
Skill Training: Throwing
After catching his breath, Ahmed turned his attention to another skill he had been trying to develop: Throwing.
He lined up several small rocks on the ground and picked one up, testing its weight in his hand.
> "Let's see if I can make this work."
Ahmed focused on a distant tree trunk, winding up before hurling the rock with all his might.
The rock flew through the air and hit the tree with a dull thunk.
> [Skill Gained: Throwing]
- Type: Active
- Effect: Improves accuracy and force when throwing objects. Higher proficiency increases distance and damage.
[Proficiency: 2%]
> "Nice!" Ahmed grinned, picking up another rock.
He spent the next hour practicing, each throw slightly more accurate than the last.
> [Skill Progression: Throwing – Proficiency 12%]
As he trained, Ahmed felt his movements becoming smoother and more natural. His throws were sharper, faster, and more precise.
---
Skill Training: Dash and Reflexes
Once Ahmed was satisfied with his throwing practice, he moved on to another essential skill: Dashing.
> "I need to be faster," he muttered, envisioning himself dodging attacks in battle.
He activated the Dash skill, feeling a surge of energy propel him forward. The world around him blurred slightly as he darted from one end of the clearing to the other.
> [Skill Progression: Dash – Proficiency 8%]
Ahmed repeated the motion, focusing on improving his control and reaction time. He dodged imaginary attacks, weaving through an invisible battlefield.
Suddenly, he stumbled, nearly falling face-first into the dirt.
> [Skill Gained: Reflexes]
- Type: Passive
- Effect: Enhances reaction speed and balance. Training increases the ability to avoid attacks and maintain composure.
[Proficiency: 3%]
Ahmed grinned despite himself.
> "Even my mistakes help me get stronger."
---
System Rewards
As the moon climbed higher into the sky, Ahmed collapsed onto the grass, exhausted but satisfied. His system menu popped up, displaying his progress.
> [Proficiency Summary]
Sprint: 9%
Throwing: 15%
Dash: 12%
Reflexes: 3%
> [Bonus Reward Unlocked!]
- Type: Passive Skill
- Name: Endurance Training
- Effect: Increases stamina regeneration by 5%.
Ahmed's eyes widened in surprise.
> "I didn't expect that," he said, chuckling. "Looks like hard work really does pay off."
---
Koneko's Perspective
From her hidden perch in the trees, Koneko watched Ahmed with quiet fascination. His relentless determination was unlike anything she had seen before. Most devils relied on their innate power, but Ahmed was different.
> "He's working harder than anyone I've met," she thought, her golden eyes narrowing. "But why?"
She noticed how his movements became more precise with each repetition, how his attacks grew stronger and faster. It was almost as if he were leveling up like a character in a game.
Koneko's ears twitched as she leaned back against the tree trunk.
> "He's not like the others," she murmured softly. "Maybe… he's someone I can trust."
---
Ahmed's Perspective
As Ahmed prepared to leave the clearing, he felt a faint presence nearby. He turned, his crimson eyes scanning the shadows.
> "Koneko," he called out, his voice calm but firm. "I know you're there."
For a moment, there was no response. Then, the petite nekoshou stepped out from behind a tree, her expression neutral.
> "You're getting better," she said simply, her soft voice carrying in the still night.
Ahmed smiled faintly.
> "Thanks. I still have a long way to go, though."
Koneko nodded, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before turning away.
> "Don't push yourself too hard," she said quietly. "You'll burn out."
Ahmed watched her leave, a thoughtful expression on his face.
> "Maybe I'm not training alone after all."
---